Power of Caring
  presented by CIGNA

Breaking down the Open

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Wednesday September 01, 1999 10:13 AM

SI staff writer Jon Wertheim peers into his crystal ball to reveal the fate of all 32 seeds for the U.S. Open. Scroll down to see the first-round matches you shouldn't miss, some darkhorse candidates to advance to Week 2, and his championship predictions.

MEN'S REPORT | Women's Report

1. Pete Sampras: It wasn't the hip flexor that he injured last week, it was a brand-new back ailment that forced Sampras' Tuesday-morning withdrawal. Any chance at breaking Roy Emerson's record will have to wait 'til next year.

2. Andre Agassi: One last hurrah for AA, who will take advantage of the Pete-less field to capture his second Open title.

3. Yevgeny Kafelnikov: As usual, success depends upon which player shows up: the one who loses to qualifiers or the one who wins majors. Caught a huge break when Thomas Johansson withdrew with a heart viral infection.

4. Pat Rafter: An injured shoulder compounded by a first-round encounter with Cedric Pioline augurs ill for two-time defending champ.

5. Gustavo Kuerten: Underrated hard-court player has opportunity to prove he's no one-Slam wonder.

6. Tim Henman: Tough second-round opponent in Vince Spadea, but Gentleman Tim has sleeper potential, particularly if Kafelnikov goes out early.

7. Todd Martin. Quiet summer after Davis Cup fiasco for the grey-templed veteran. Should be clear sailing for a few rounds, but even if he sneaks past Greg Rusedski, he's scheduled to meet Sampras in the quarters.

8. Carlos Moya: After briefly taking over the No. 1 spot in March, Moya's game has been in muddled straits. Don't be surprised if he loses to Dominik Hrbaty in Round 1.

9. Greg Rusedski: Former U.S. Open finalist has kept a low profile most of the year.

10. Marcelo Rios: Soft draw will help him salvage injury-ravaged year.

11. Mark Philippoussis: Withdrew Saturday still feeling effects of knee injury he suffered at Wimbledon. Felix Mantilla assumes his place in the draw as the No. 17 seed.

12. Richard Krajicek: Despite the kindest of draws, sunken Dutchman will somehow find a way to bow out prematurely.

13. Alex Corretja: Dispiriting year for the oft-injured Spaniard. His annus horribilis may continue after second-round match against Lleyton Hewitt.

14. Tommy Haas: Will be saying, "Gott sei dank," if he survives opening match against Thomas ("I shoulda been seeded") Enqvist.

15. Nicolas Kiefer: Agassi lookalike will get to try and unseat Mr. Image Is Everything in the round of 16.

16. Nicolas Lapentti: Deceptively solid hardcourt player coming off tournament win in Indy. Even if he lives up to his seeding, he's no match for the Sampras juggernaut.

17. Felix Mantilla: Newly seeded Spaniard should engage in a baseline slugfest with Magnus Norman in the first round.

OPENING MATCHES TO WATCH

Rafter vs. Cedric Pioline
Haas vs. Thomas Enqvist
Moya vs. Dominik Hrbaty
First-round match du jour: Fabrice Santoro vs. Sebastien Grosjean
Marrakech Express: Hicham Arazi vs. Karim Alami, Moroccans both

DANGEROUS FLOATERS

Thomas Enqvist: Looking for Swede revenge on seeders.
Michael Chang: Name rings a faint bell.
Younes El Aynaoui: Witness the power of vowels.
Lleyton Hewitt: Ready for his closeup.

PREDICTIONS

Semifinals: Marat Safin vs. Kuerten; Agassi v. Kafelnikov
Finals: Kuerten vs. Agassi
Champion: Agassi

 

Related information
Stories
Jon Wertheim's Tennis Mailbag
Multimedia
Visit Multimedia Central for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.